China, Australia hold 19th defense strategy consultation in Beijing

General Fang Fenghui (L), chief of Joint Staff Department under China's Central Military Commission (CMC), accompanies Chief of the Australian Defense Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin (R) to review the guard of honor of the Chinese PLA in Beijing on October 12, 2016. (mod.gov.cn/ Li Xiaowei)

General Fang Fenghui, member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of the Joint Staff Department under the CMC, held talks with Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, chief of the Australian Defense Force, and Secretary of the Australian Department of Defense Dennis Richardson.

The two sides had in-depth exchange of views on the relations between the two countries and two militaries, international and regional security situations and other issues. The consultation achieved positive results.

When meeting with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Hangzhou last month, Chinese President Xi hoped that China and Australia will meet each other half way and expand pragmatic cooperation and promote the sound and stable development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Gen. Fang said.

China is willing to continue to maintain good momentum of development of bilateral military relations with Australia, deepen cooperation in high-level exchanges, joint training, international anti-terrorism, military officer training and other fields, effectively take care of each other's core interests and major concerns, and properly handle differences and sensitive issues, Fang said.

The Chinese and Australian militaries are expected to keep their good cooperation and make contributions to promoting the development of bilateral state relations and maintaining international and regional security and stability, Fang added.

Both Binskin and Richardson expressed that Australia attaches great importance to the development of friendly relations with China and the two sides have a wide range of common interests and common concerns.

Australia underlines the rule-based world order and hopes that the consultations will serve as a driving force for the development of relations between Australia and China, they said.

Fang accompanied Binskin to review the guard of honor of the Chinese PLA before their talks.

General Fang Fenghui (3rd R), member of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and chief of Joint Staff Department under the CMC, holds consultations with Chief of the Australian Defense Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin (3rd L) and Secretary of the Australian Department of Defense Dennis Richardson (4th L) in Beijing on Oct 12, 2016. (mod.gov.cn/ Li Xiaowei).